New York, October 20, 1995 (SFT) - Today is the seventh day of the six Tibetan patriots' Hunger Strike Until death in front of the United Nations. Their physical condition is clearly worsening. However, it is important to add that the doctor who examined the hunger strikers last night reports no serious problems.

At an NGO (non-governmental organization) forum at the U.N. yesterday, much attention was focused on the hunger strike. The forum was attended by Rinchen Dharlo, Representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama, who had the opportunity to elaborate on the issue. There was a feeling of great urgency, and plans were made to act quickly. NGO's as well as several important diplomats agreed to begin networking within the UN on the hunger strikers' behalf immediately, and many representatives from the forum have since visited the site at 47th St. and First Ave. to pledge their assistance.

The celebrations begin tomorrow, and many members of the world press have already arrived. Representatives of the press as well as delegates from Latin American and African nations have expressed concern for the lives of the six hunger strikers. The Danish Delegates issued a very strong statement, supporting all five demands. The delegates return to Denmark tomorrow, where they will be asking their government to give voice to the demands in the United Nations. The delegates said that they will be calling on other parliamentarian colleagues and delegates to do the same in other countries.

Letters of support for the hunger strike have arrived from the Tibetan Youth Congress, the Tibetan government and the Tibetan parliament. Leaders of many religious traditions have been contacted, with favorable response.

Supporters are asked to write to their nations' missions to help apply pressure to raise the issue at the U.N. The organizers remain busy with the press, delegates of the member states, and the public. It is possible to reach them at the site of the hunger strike at Dag Hammerskjoeld Plaza at (212) 599-8962 or (212) 599-8963.